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Jackpot! $543M Mega Millions Winning Ticket Sold in San Jose

Someone in San Jose became a multimillionaire Tuesday after buying a Mega Millions ticket with all six winning numbers, according to the California Lottery. Anoushah Rasta reports. (Published Wednesday, July 25, 2018)

Someone in San Jose became a multimillionaire many times over Tuesday after buying a Mega Millions ticket with all six winning numbers, according to the California Lottery.

The winning ticket was sold at Ernie's Liquors on South White Road in San Jose, the agency said. Lottery officials confirmed late Tuesday night it was the lone jackpot ticket in the $522 million draw.

On Wednesday, California Lottery officials announced that jackpot total rose to $543 million. It is the largest jackpot in California Lottery history, the third largest in Mega Millions history and the ninth largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history, lottery officials said.

The owner of Ernie's Liquors will receive a $1 million bonus for selling the jackpot ticket, lottery officials said. Late Tuesday, members of the Sachdev family gathered at their store to celebrate their winnings. They said some of the money will go to charities and to their employees.

On Wednesday, the family who has owned the liquor store for 18 years was presented with a large cardboard check.

"United States is a country where you can realize your dreams really well. This country has given us the opportunity to do that," Kewal Sachdev said. "I wish these winners very well and hope they do some good work, some charity work, and take care of their families and friends."

The Sachdev family is thrilled they sold a winning #MegaMillions jackpot ticket at their store Ernie's Liquors in #SanJose. They're getting dozens of calls, facetiming with family around the country.
Owner says some of their cut will go to charities and employees. pic.twitter.com/bG00hBinsv

We have one #MegaMillions jackpot winning ticket in #California. We're still awaiting results from other states. The winning California ticket was sold in #SanJose at Ernie's Liquors on South White Road. #CALottery